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Japan Weekend Barcelona 2026: a weekend when Japanese pop culture takes over the city
Last weekend, Fira Barcelona – Gran Via was transformed into a small parallel universe with the celebration of Japan Weekend Barcelona. From early in the morning, long queues hinted at what was to come inside: two intense days where anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture filled every corner of the venue.
The event once again brought together tens of thousands of attendees, confirming its importance on the national calendar. In recent editions, it has surpassed 47,000 visitors and gathered more than 200 exhibitors, figures reflected in the packed halls and the constant flow of people between stages, stands, and themed areas.
The atmosphere was a mix of fair, festival, and meeting point. In one area, the sounds of console and arcade controllers could be heard; in another, martial arts demonstrations captured the audience's attention; further on, the stages pulsed with K-pop performances that turned the space into an impromptu dance floor.
Cosplay was once again one of the main attractions of the event. Not just because of the contest, where the technical skill and staging were impressive, but also thanks to the constant presence of characters walking among the crowd. Every detail was meticulously crafted, with dedicated performances and a passionate community. The free costume repair area served as a small emergency base that was always busy.
On top of all this, there were international guests, signings, meet-and-greets, and spaces dedicated to independent artists, who brought new voices and perspectives.